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Mote Marine Laboratory Manatee Research Projects
The Legislature annually appropriates $325,000 from the Trust Fund for the Manatee Research Program at Mote Marine Laboratory. The following projects were funded in FY 2007-2008: - Photo-Identification Studies of Manatees in Southwest Florida-- The objectives of this project were to: 1) ensure that Mote’s photographic catalog and data are thoroughly checked for quality and completeness and are shared with partner organizations (FWRI and USGS-Sirenia); and 2) continue field work to perpetuate the long-term photo-identification and other data collection efforts in southwest Florida.
- Manatee Rescue and Verification—Mote acts as a federally-registered partner in the manatee carcass salvage and rescue program. Mote researchers are permitted to verify carcasses and assist in rescues of injured or trapped manatees, primarily in Manatee and Sarasota counties.
- Program Oversight—Programmatic oversight includes salary and operational support for the program leader who is responsible for periodic reports, coordination with state scientists and managers for activities associated with manatee recovery planning, and oversight of manatee research projects conducted by Mote.
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